Morocco’s cereals harvest up 62% at 55 million quintals in 2023

Morocco’s cereals harvest is seen growing to 55 million quintals, up 62% from last year when the country suffered from the longest drought in more than three decades, the agriculture ministry said.

The increase in the harvest was possible thanks to a 13% rise in rainfall up to April 27, which however remained 36% below average.

The harvest would break down into 29.8 million tons of soft wheat, 11.8 million tons of durum and 13.5 million tons of barley, the ministry said.

Dam filling rate was at 33% up to April 27 against 31% the same period last year. Irrigation had to be halted in some areas due to lack of water available for farming.

Meanwhile, the ministry noted that the vegetable market was well balanced between satisfying domestic needs and exports after a cold snap in particular that undermined tomato production.